2018 Hyundai Tucson power train problems

“There is a definite KNOWN problem with the transmissions in all 2018 Hyundai Tucsons and maybe other model years as well. This is well documented via the Internet by the number of articles concerning this ongoing problem! This problem seems to have been unresolved over a pretty long period of time now! It is most definitely a safety issue and should be addressed. When issue happens it leaves the vehicle at the mercy of surrounding traffic! It definitely requires your consideration and your looking into! Search the internet concerning this transmission failure problem…. Why has this NOT been addressed prior to or long before now?”

“While driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited 1.6L Turbo with the 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission (DCT), the vehicle has repeatedly failed to engage and hold gears, resulting in loss of motive power in traffic. Diagnostic scanning retrieved codes P074B (Unable to Engage Gear 3), P074B71 (Unable to Select 3rd Gear), P074B07 (Gear Dropped Out of 3rd Gear), P092177 (1st Gear System Referencing Failure), and P0921 (Gear Shift Forward Actuator Circuit Range/Performance). A Hyundai dealer diagnosed the failure as requiring transmission replacement at approximately 93,000 miles. This is the same 7-speed DCT and the same failure mode addressed by NHTSA Campaign 16V628000 (Hyundai Recall 149) and Hyundai Service Campaign T1B, which covered 2016–2017 Tucson vehicles but excluded the 2018 model year despite using the same transmission. Hyundai has acknowledged this defect in 2018 vehicles through TSB 21-AT-014H and TSB 22-AT-007H, which prescribe a TCU software update, but issued these as service bulletins rather than a recall, so owners were never notified. When I requested the TSB software update, the Hyundai dealer refused to perform it. This defect creates a…”

“January 9, 2026, driver was on I25, when driver heard a loud thud and the RPMs kept rising but the vehicle would not accelerate. Was very dangerous and barely avoided a collision with other drivers on the road. Barely got it home and shut it off. Tried to drive again but would not get out of reverse. Car was towed to Hyundai dealership for inspection. EGO4 Check Engine Light Diagnostic. 120883. Transmission and rear coupler/differential replaced. Test driven and dealership said it drove as designed and shifted as designed. Cost $10,955.29.”

“While operating the vehicle on the highway at speeds around 55 to 60 mph, without warning, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure that resulted in an immediate and complete loss of motive power, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a formal tear-down and diagnosis. They Hyundai dealership technician formally diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic internal "pin failure" (Structural failure of an internal engine pin component). This component defect caused a total mechanical breakdown of the engine assembly. Hyundai Motor America has issued a corporate warranty denial for an engine replacement, despite the vehicle being covered under the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement (which extends powertrain protections due to widespread internal engine manufacturing defects), A sudden, un-warned loss of engine power while driving poses a severe and immediate safety hazard to the driver, passengers and other motorists on the highway. Hyundai's refusal to remedy this known structural defect leaves a dangerous vehicle un-repaired. I am requesting an investigation…”

“The 2.0L engine catastrophically failed during normal highway driving, consistent with a thrown connecting rod. The vehicle suddenly lost power on a roadway with tractor-trailer traffic. The driver and a child passenger narrowly avoided being struck by a semi-truck before the vehicle could be brought to a safe stop. No prior warning lamps, no check engine light, no abnormal noises, and no indications of any kind preceded the failure. The failed engine is currently at a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection. The dealer has confirmed catastrophic engine failure and submitted an engine replacement request to Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America declined the engine replacement request, citing incomplete status on Service Campaign 966 (Knock Sensor Detection System update for connecting rod bearing wear). The owner purchased the vehicle used and was never notified by Hyundai of Service Campaign 966. The owner also was never notified of NHTSA Recall 20V543000 (ABS module fire risk), which remains open and unrepaired on this vehicle, demonstrating a pattern of failed manufacturer notification to the current registered owner. This vehicle is a…”

“The transmission system failed. The vehicle had previously been serviced at a Hyundai dealership for a transmission-related issue and was returned to me as repaired; however, the problem persisted. Shortly after the repair, the transmission failed again, indicating that the issue was not properly resolved. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred while I was actively driving, creating a serious safety risk due to the potential loss of power and reduced ability to safely control or maneuver the vehicle. At the time, my [XXX] child was in the car, placing both of us, as well as other drivers on the road, at risk. The issue was confirmed by the Hyundai dealership following the initial repair attempt. Despite being advised that the vehicle was repaired, the transmission failed again, and the dealership acknowledged that the transmission remains defective. The vehicle has been inspected by the Hyundai dealership’s service department but has not been evaluated by police or insurance representatives. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The transmission failed unexpectedly after the vehicle had…”